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gtc phases of the moon at night

GeoTech Cues

Aug 27, 2020

Making sense of sensemaking: What it is and what it means for pandemic research

By Richard J. Cordes

We are often blind to our incredible, expansive, awe-inspiring ability to make sense of our environment—until we no longer can. R.J. Cordes dives into sensemaking and its role in pandemic research.

Disinformation Internet

BelarusAlert

Aug 26, 2020

Belarus is a reminder that the USSR is still collapsing

By Franak Viačorka

With the emergence of an independent Belarusian national identity, we are entering a new stage in the Soviet collapse. Thirty years after the empire officially expired, the last outpost of Soviet authoritarianism in Central Europe is finally in eclipse.

Belarus Democratic Transitions

MENASource

Aug 26, 2020

Four takeaways from Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi’s visit

By Andrew Peek

Washington must compete in the gray zone, for partial victory, with all the tools at its disposal. This visit was a good start.

Iraq Politics & Diplomacy

Elections 2020

Aug 26, 2020

US needs to change the way it invests in defense if it wants to compete with rising rivals

By David A. Wemer

Successive years of stagnant defense spending levels and the prospect of lasting economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic could threaten to leave the United States handicapped in its growing military competition with rising powers China and Russia

Defense Industry Defense Policy

The future is here

Aug 26, 2020

Germany extends stimulus, France hints at future help; schools grapple with return to classes

By Atlantic Council

Germany extended a program to help keep workers on companies’ books, while France hinted at details of a 100 billion euro stimulus plan next week. Educators in Germany, the United Kingdom, Myanmar, and the United States contended with how to keep students safe as classes start again.

Coronavirus

BelarusAlert

Aug 25, 2020

Belarus reborn

By Carl Gershman

Pro-democracy protests have transformed Belarus into a nation reborn. Whatever else happens, Lukashenka and his cronies simply cannot go back to business as usual after this summer of solidarity.

Belarus Democratic Transitions

UkraineAlert

Aug 25, 2020

How Ukraine can go from brain drain to brain gain

By Anton Waschuk and Andriy Kamenetskyy

Highly skilled Ukrainians continue to leave the country in order to further their careers. Greater efforts are required to keep this key demographic in the country for the benefit of the wider Ukrainian economy.

Economy & Business Education

The future is here

Aug 25, 2020

Re-infections reported in Hong Kong, Europe; Germany economy suffers, airlines shed jobs

By Atlantic Council

Re-infections are in the news, from Hong Kong to Europe, raising questions about immunity that a future vaccine may give. Spain ruled out a national lockdown, while Germany had a dire second quarter and airlines cut jobs, and sold pajamas, to save costs amid a global slump in travel.

Coronavirus

Digital currencies

Aug 25, 2020

Advanced economies under pressure in the central bank digital currency race

By Barbara C. Matthews, Hung Tran

Advanced economy central banks are also actively engaged in CBDC research and development efforts. But as guardians of global reserve currencies, their approaches will necessarily be more deliberate and cautious than Beijing’s aggressiveness.

Digital Currencies Digital Policy

New Atlanticist

Aug 24, 2020

China’s Digital Currency Electronic Payment Project reveals the good and the bad of central bank digital currencies

By Hung Tran, Barbara C. Matthews

The development of the DCEP has revealed the significant advantages and potential drawbacks for both China’s digital currency project and the potential for widespread central bank digital currencies around the world.

China Digital Currencies